PLO Slammed by Jordanian Islamists

Jordan's branch of the Muslim Brotherhood says the PLO must not negotiate with Israel saying it only 'serves Zionist and American interests'

Contact Editor

Gabe Kahn., 11/01/12 22:20

Palestine Jordanian protest

Israel news photo: Wikimedia Commons

Islamist opposition leaders in Jordan urged the Palestinian Authority on Wednesday to terminate its "absurd" negotiations with Israel.

"We demand the Palestinian Authority leave the dark tunnel of absurd negotiations with Israel that only serves Zionist and American interests," the Islamic Action Front said in a statement on its website.

"Going back to negotiations in light of increasing settlement building in the West Bank and Jerusalem means neglecting Palestinian rights."

The Islamic Action Front, Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood, said the renewed talks after 15 months "would come at the expense of Palestinian people to save the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, which fears the Arab Spring."

Officials in Jerusalem and Ramallah said this week that they don't believe the most recent round of talks in Amman, which ended Monday, will breathe new life into the moribund peace process.

While the two sides are expected to meet again on Saturday officials in Jerusalem have said they believe the PA "is creating the illusion of progress" noting that it continues to insist on preconditions intended as a fait accompli aimed at forestalling talks.

Israel has said it is ready to negotiate without preconditions from either side "anytime, anywhere."

Since December the PLO has adopted "a strategy based on continuous efforts along with the international community to secure full recognition and full United Nations membership, pursuing internal reconciliation, and keeping up the popular resistance."

It has also moved to induct Hamas and its terror confederates into the PLO ranks.